Felling is the one chainsaw job where an undersized saw can hurt you, not just annoy you. After spending weeks comparing saw specs and reading owner reports on hardwood, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher with a 24 inch bar is our best gas chainsaw for felling trees overall, because a 60.3cc X-TORQUE engine and a 24 inch bar cover everything from a 12 inch maple to a 24 inch oak while staying at 13.2 pounds.
That is the whole shortlist in one line. Below it you will find twelve saws, from that Rancher down to budget models that will fell a storm-fallen tree once and then need patience. We grouped them by what they are actually good at, not by price alone.
A few things worth saying up front. Felling power comes from torque and from how wide the engine’s usable power band is, not from the horsepower number on the box. And a bar that is roughly half the trunk diameter is the working rule most experienced fellers use. We size each pick against real trunk diameters later in the article.
We also spend time on the boring parts that decide whether a saw still runs in year three: fuel mix ratio, air filter access, chain tensioning without removing covers, and whether a dealer near you actually stocks parts for the brand. If you want the wider buyer view first, our best gas chainsaws for the money roundup covers the general homeowner case, and our 20 inch bar gas saw guide digs into the most common bar size.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks: Best Gas Chainsaws for Felling Trees (October 2026)
Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24 Inch
- 60.3cc 3.6-HP engine
- 24 inch bar
- Smart Start with inertia chain brake
- 2-year warranty
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch
- 50.2cc 3.2-HP engine
- 20 inch bar
- Lightest saw here at 11.3 pounds
- LowVib anti-vibration
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20 Inch
- 55cc 3.5-HP engine
- Supports 13 to 24 inch bars
- Air Injection cleaning
- 2-year warranty
If you want the decision in one minute: the 460 Rancher 24 inch takes the top spot, the 450 Rancher 20 inch is the lightest saw that will still take a proper felling cut, and the 455 Rancher is the one owners who cut all day tend to name. The rest of the list fills in specific jobs, including two long-bar 68cc saws that arrive with two bars in the box.
Best Gas Chainsaws for Felling Trees: Comparison Table
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24 Inch |
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| Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch |
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 NEO-TEC 68cc with 22 and 24 Inch Bars |
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| Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20 Inch |
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 NEO-TEC NH872 71cc 24 Inch Pro Saw |
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 ECHO CS-590 59.8cc 20 Inch |
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 JPNTECH 60cc 20 Inch |
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 SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 Inch |
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 PROYAMA 68cc with 20 and 24 Inch Bars |
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 WTHW 58cc Quick-Switch Bars |
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 QWD 61.5cc 18 Inch |
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 VEVOR 62cc 20 Inch |
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1. Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24 Inch: Best Overall Gas Chainsaw for Felling Trees
Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Powered Chainsaw, 24 Inch
60.3cc 3.6-HP X-TORQUE engine
24 inch bar capacity
13.2 pounds
Smart Start and inertia chain brake
2-year warranty
Pros
- Highest-rated traditional-brand option in our testing group
- 24 inch bar handles large-diameter felling cuts
- Smart Start makes repeated field starts easy
- LowVib dampeners and offset front handle reduce fatigue
- Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Engine output sits below the 71cc and 68cc saws here
- Weighs the same 13.2 pounds as the 455 despite the longer bar
The 460 Rancher is the saw we kept coming back to. A 60.3cc X-TORQUE two-stroke with a 24 inch bar is a genuinely capable felling combination, and at 13.2 pounds it is still light enough to hold one-handed through a long back cut. Owners rate it 4.5 stars across more than 550 reviews, with an 81 percent five-star share, which is among the strongest satisfaction profiles in our group.
What stands out is the torque curve rather than the peak. The X-TORQUE engine keeps working in hardwood where bigger-displacement saws can bog on the first few seconds of a back cut, and the 24 inch capacity means you are not stopping to reposition the saw halfway through a big trunk.
The supporting hardware is the traditional-brand baseline: Smart Start for low-effort pulling, an inertia-activated chain brake, Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning, and LowVib dampeners with a 7-degree offset front handle. Those features are not exciting on paper. They matter on hour four of a felling day when your hands are wet and your back cut is halfway through.
Bar sizing runs from 13 to 24 inches, so the same powerhead covers pruning work in spring and 20 inch bucking in winter. The included kit is complete: powerhead, bar, chain, a 2.6 oz bottle of 50:1 premix, fuel cap, scrench, manual and quick start guide.
What tree sizes the 460 Rancher handles well
Trunks up to roughly 20 inches are comfortable for most single operators. Past that, the saw still has the power, but the technique changes: you want wedges, a planned hinge, and ideally a second person on the escape path. Above 24 inches, most owners move to a 20 inch bar on a 60cc engine or step up to a 71cc class saw.
Because the bar range is wide, you can run a 16 inch bar for limbing and a 24 inch bar for felling without changing saws. That flexibility is why this one keeps showing up as a recommendation on chainsaw forums, where the recurring advice is to buy the powerhead and choose the bar for the job.
Where the 460 Rancher falls short
The X-TORQUE engine outputs less than the 71cc NEO-TEC and the 68cc saws further down this list. In green oak or a storm-frozen trunk you will feel the difference, and the bar will stall sooner if you push it.
It is also not a light saw for its bar length, and detailed durability feedback from owners on heavy felling work is thin. If you cut hardwood every single weekend, the 455 Rancher or a 71cc class machine is a better fit for the hours you will put through it.
2. Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch: Best Value for Occasional Homeowner Felling
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw, 50.2-cc 3.2-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, For Tree Pruning, Yard Cleanups and Firewood Cutting, 970613120
50.2cc 3.2-HP X-Torq engine
20 inch bar
11.3 pounds
Smart Start and inertia chain brake
2-year warranty
Pros
- Lightest saw in this roundup at 11.3 pounds
- Starts on the first or second pull for most owners
- 82 percent five-star share among owners
- Bar fits 13 to 20 inch range
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- 20 inch bar caps it for very large timber
- New chain can bind under throttle at first
- Some owners report light chain oil delivery out of the box
The 450 Rancher is the answer to a common problem: a landowner who needs to fell two or three mature hardwoods a year, cut a few cords of firewood, and does not want a 25 pound machine in the truck. At 11.3 pounds it is the lightest saw we tested, and owners rate it 4.5 stars across 553 reviews.
Starting is the feature owners mention most. Smart Start means most people get it running on the first or second pull, which matters far more in cold weather than the spec sheet suggests. One detailed owner compared it directly to a Poulan PR4016 and reported smoother running and faster starts.
The 50.2cc X-Torq engine is honest but modest. On a 16 inch green maple or ash, it cuts smoothly. On a 20 inch frozen oak, you will want to keep the revs up and let the saw do the work rather than leaning on the bar.
Bar options run from 13 to 20 inches, and the Air Injection centrifugal system plus LowVib dampeners keep long sessions comfortable. The asymmetric ergonomic handle and soft inlay are small touches that reduce hand fatigue noticeably on firewood days.
Where the 450 Rancher earns its slot
For trunks in the 10 to 16 inch range, this is the sweet spot. Chainsaw forum regulars repeatedly name 50cc paired with a 15 to 18 inch bar as the most useful combination, and the 450 sits exactly there while weighing less than anything else here.
It also handles the whole firewood and storm debris side of property work without feeling underpowered. If your biggest tree is under about 16 inches, buying more displacement is money you will not spend well.
What to watch out for
The 20 inch ceiling is real for anyone with a 24 inch trunk on the property. Owners also report that the factory chain arrives very tight and can bind under throttle until you back it off, and one owner fixed weak chain oil delivery with an aftermarket oil pump assembly.
A detailed reviewer also found the factory spark plug over-torqued. None of that is dangerous, but all of it is worth twenty minutes of assembly checking the first time you fire it up.
3. NEO-TEC 68cc With 22 and 24 Inch Bars: Best for Thick Hardwood
NEW 68CC Gas Powered Chainsaw 22 24 Inch Bars Chainsaws 2-Cycle Cordless Handheld Petrol Gasoline Chain Saw for Tree Felling Forestry Logging Backyard Storm Wood Cutting
68cc 4.5HP at 13000 RPM
22 inch and 24 inch bars included
24 pounds
Quick-stop chain brake
Tool-free side tensioner
Pros
- Among the highest-rated listings here at 4.6 stars
- Two long bars included in one powerhead
- Owners report easy starting comparable to Stihl saws
- Clean fast cuts through oak and softwood
- Quick-stop chain brake and anti-vibration handle
Cons
- Not approved for sale in California
- Engine is loud
- Long-term durability not yet established
This is the saw to look at if the tree in front of you is the biggest thing on your property. A 68cc engine at 4.5HP with both a 22 inch and a 24 inch bar in the box covers trunks that would stump a 20 inch bar setup, and owners rate it 4.6 stars, the highest score in our group.
The dual-bar package is the practical argument. One powerhead covers felling with the 24 inch bar and storm cleanup with the 22 inch bar, and the tool-free side-mounted tensioner means you are not pulling a wrench out on a hillside.
Owners compare the starting to Stihl saws they own, and several report cutting large oak and softwood cleanly and quickly at a fraction of what the big brands cost. The 25:1 mix ratio is marked clearly on the dual-tank system, which holds 550 ml of fuel and 260 ml of oil.
At 24 pounds it is heavy. That weight is the trade for the power, and it is the reason we would not hand this saw to someone felling small trees for the first time.
Best used for trunks above 20 inches
This saw earns its place on 20 to 28 inch hardwoods, especially storm-fallen oak where you are working on the ground. The wide power band keeps chain speed up through the cut instead of bogging in the middle of it, which is exactly what you want when the trunk pinches.
Owners also praise fuel consumption and easy out-of-box assembly. Several mention responsive seller support, which matters when you are buying outside the big three brands.
Limitations to plan around
Two things stand out. It is not approved for sale in California, which rules it out for a share of buyers before any other consideration. Owners also note the engine is loud, noticeably so in residential cutting.
The 4.6 star score comes from 55 reviews. That is encouraging, but it is a small sample, and long-term durability on this specific listing is not yet proven. Owners of older units in the same power class report mixed results after several seasons.
4. Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20 Inch: Premium Pick for Daily Cutting
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, 20 inch, 55-cc 3.5-HP
55cc 3.5-HP X-TORQUE engine
20 inch bar, 13 to 24 inch range
13.2 pounds
2-year warranty
Pros
- Owners call it the Rancher they reach for when cutting often
- Easy starting every time with the decompression release
- Bar and chain work as counterweight for control
- Comfortable through long cutting sessions
- 2-year warranty and wide service support
Cons
- Users report around 20 pounds in practice which tires over long sessions
- One owner reported a clogged oil pump with metal shavings
- A small number of saws reported early failures
- Costs more than most saws here
The 455 Rancher sits between the 450 and the 460 for a reason: it is the version owners who cut often point to. Owners describe the 55cc engine as powerful and smooth, frequently comparing it favourably to a Stihl, and they credit the decompression button with starting it every time.
The rating is 4.4 across 393 reviews, which is slightly below the two Ranchers above it, and the reviews explain why. The recurring note is weight: owners describe it feeling closer to 20 pounds in the hand once the bar and chain are loaded, and that becomes tiring over a full day.
The powerhead supports 13 to 24 inch bars, so you can move up to longer bars later. Air Injection centrifugal cleaning and LowVib dampeners are both standard, and the 7-degree offset front handle keeps your wrists out of the cut line.
One practical detail owners like: the bar and chain act as a counterweight that makes the saw easier to control during a back cut. On a 20 inch bar, that balance matters more than the engine size does.
Where it beats the 450 and 460
The gap opens on repeated hardwood work. When you are cutting ten cords instead of two, the extra torque in the 55cc reduces the number of times you have to reposition the bar, and the offset handle spreads fatigue better over a long session. Older users in particular report this as the comfortable one.
For firewood contractors and part-time tree work, this is the pick we would make first because the power and the ergonomics are both a step up without jumping to the pro weight class.
What buyers should watch
There are a small number of serious service complaints in the reviews, including one unit that failed after two trees and was declared unrepairable, and one new unit with a clogged oil pump carrying metal shavings. Any saw in this class can do that, but it is worth asking the dealer about warranty handling before you buy.
It is also the most expensive saw in this roundup by a wide margin, and the extra cost only makes sense if you will use it weekly. If it is a once-a-year job, the 450 does the same work lighter.
5. NEO-TEC NH872 71cc 24 Inch: Best for Pro Duty and Logging
NEO-TEC NH872 24 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw 71cc Gasoline Chain Saw Power Head 5.3HP Professional Chain Saw Gas All Parts Compatible with Husqvarna 372XP Motosierra De Gasolina for Heavy-duty Forestry
71cc full-crank 5.3HP engine
24 inch D009 bar
25 pounds
All parts compatible with Husqvarna 372XP
Magnesium chassis
Pros
- Among the highest horsepower figures here at 5.3HP
- Parts compatible with a genuine Husqvarna 372XP
- Owners report years of logging and firewood use
- Commercial magnesium chassis with air filtration
- Side-mounted tool-free chain tensioner
Cons
- Heaviest saw here at 25 pounds
- Not approved for sale in California
- One owner reported a failed ignition coil in cold weather
- Arrives as two separate packages
The NH872 is the most powerful saw in this group and the one with the most unusual pitch. Every critical component is compatible with Husqvarna 372XP parts, which means a local dealer that services the Husky can likely service this. Owners describe it as a 372XP-class machine at roughly a third of the cost.
The 71cc full-crank engine produces 5.3HP and drives a 24 inch professional bar on a D009 mount with 3/8 inch low-kickback chain. Several owners report multi-year logging and firewood use, and one describes a commercial small-sawmill workload.
Build details are pro-tier: magnesium alloy chassis, commercial air filtration, quick-release air filter, adjustable oil pump, inertia chain brake and throttle lock. The side-mounted tool-free tensioner saves time between bar changes.
At 25 pounds, this is a saw you operate with both hands on the rear handle and a deliberate pace. It is not a first felling saw and it is not a saw you want for a 10 inch tree in the front yard.
Who should buy this saw
Anyone cutting serious volume, running firewood through a splitter, or clearing land where trees get big fast. The power band is wide enough that the chain stays at speed through hardwood, which is the single thing that separates a 71cc from a 60cc when the trunk closes in on the bar.
Parts compatibility is the hidden advantage. Owners replacing a bar, sprocket, clutch or carb find Husqvarna 372XP components at ordinary service counters, which removes the biggest risk of owning a less common brand.
Where it is the wrong choice
Weight, first. At 25 pounds it is a full professional weight and it will tire you out long before the fuel runs out on a small job. It is also not approved for sale in California, and one owner reported an ignition coil failure plus throttle cut-outs in cold weather.
It arrives as two separate packages, and it comes with an aftermarket spark plug that some owners replaced immediately. For a first felling saw on a residential property, none of that is worth it.
6. ECHO CS-590 59.8cc 20 Inch: Best for Storm Cleanup
Echo CS-590-20AA 20 in. 59.8 cc Gas Chainsaw
59.8cc gasoline engine
20 inch bar
Listed output 5.3 hp
Decompression valve
Pros
- Owners report very strong cutting force and thick chips
- One owner cut a full truckload of firewood on a single tank
- Handles large storm-fallen and oak logs
- Build quality and finish described as excellent
- Replaced a Husqvarna 460 for owners at lower cost
Cons
- Hard to crank and may suit only experienced users
- Floods easily if the choke is pulled too many times
- Seller listing shows no warranty support
- One of the smaller review samples in this roundup
The CS-590 is the saw people reach for after a storm, and the owner reports match that. Several describe very strong cutting force that throws thick chips without bogging, and one got through a full truckload of firewood on a single tank. Owners also report using it on downed oak and on light-to-moderate felling work.
The 20 inch bar and 59.8cc engine sit in the middle of this roundup, but the listed 5.3 hp output is high enough that the saw feels bigger than it measures. That gap between spec sheet and experience is where this one earns its spot.
A decompression valve helps on the recoil, and the overall build and finish is described as excellent by multiple owners. One owner replaced a Husqvarna 460 with it and considered it a fair trade.
Starting is the weak point. Owners warn that it is hard to crank, and that pulling the choke repeatedly on a restart floods the engine. That is a technique issue rather than a fault, but it catches first-time owners out.
Best used for downed timber, not standing trees
Storm cleanup is the ideal case: the tree is already down, you are cutting in short sections, and fuel range matters more than precision. The CS-590 covers that better than almost anything else here, and the finish quality suggests it will stay outside without complaint.
It can handle light-to-moderate felling of standing trees too, but that is not where its reputation sits, and 181 reviews is the smallest sample in this group, so owner consensus is thinner.
What to know before ordering
Expect to pull hard. If you have never cranked a recoil-start two-stroke, the decompression valve takes practice, and over-choking will flood it. This listing also shows no warranty support from the seller, and one buyer reported a defective unit out of the box.
The weight figure on the listing is wrong, so check the manual for the real number. For pure storm debris work, our 20 inch bar gas chainsaw guide compares options at this size.
7. JPNTECH 60cc 20 Inch: Best Budget Saw That Holds Up
JPNTECH Gas Chainsaw 60cc 2-Cycle Gasoline Powered 20 Inch
60cc 2-stroke engine at 3.5HP
20 inch bar and chain
17.3 pounds
Electronic ignition
Assembly tools included
Pros
- Long-term owner reports reliable starting after two years of hard use
- Fast smooth revving engine cuts big wood easily
- All assembly and maintenance tools included
- Handled roughly a quarter acre of land clearing
Cons
- Bar tension loosens repeatedly during use
- Replacement air filters must be special-ordered
- Chain dimensions are not stated on the box or manual
The JPNTECH 60cc is the budget pick that surprised us. It holds a 4.3 rating across 318 reviews, and one long-term owner reports it still starting reliably after two years of hard use, which is longer than most owners keep any saw.
The engine is the reason. It revs fast and smooth and owners report cutting through big wood easily, and one owner handled roughly a quarter acre of land clearing from brush up to 18 inch trees with it. All assembly and maintenance tools come in the box.
Safety hardware is reasonable for the class: dual throttle safety switches that must both be pressed to run, electronic ignition, an automatic lubricating system, an air filter and a brake baffle for emergency chain braking. A 17.3 pound weight keeps it manageable for weekend firewood work.
The problems are hardware details rather than the saw itself, and they are the same details that show up on almost every budget gas saw: a tensioner that will not hold, and covers you have to remove to reach it.
Where it makes sense
If you are clearing light to medium trees on acreage and cutting firewood on weekends, this is the most sensible low-cost entry. The 20 inch bar and 60cc engine cover trunks in the 14 to 18 inch range comfortably, and the electronic ignition keeps the starting simple.
It is also the saw to consider if you want one machine that handles both bucking and small felling without feeling underpowered at either.
What to plan for
Bar tension loosens repeatedly during use and needs re-adjusting mid-session, which is the most common complaint. Replacement air filters must be special-ordered from the manufacturer, and the chain dimensions are not printed anywhere on the box or manual, so record them before the original chain is lost.
The fuel tank is small, so expect more refills on a long day. Buying a spare chain and a spare filter the day you order the saw is a sensible precaution.
8. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 Inch: Best for Oak and Walnut
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaws 2-Cycle Petrol
62cc full-crank 2-stroke at 4.2HP
20 inch bar with low-kickback chain
8500 RPM chain speed
14 pounds
Pros
- Reviewers repeatedly report it out-cuts a new Stihl MS 271 on hardwood
- Very easy starting even in cold weather
- Cuts large knotty trunks without bogging
- Includes fuel mixer tools and a sharpener
- Lightweight enough for extended handheld use
Cons
- New chain stretches and needs frequent tightening
- Prefers premixed 50:1 fuel and starts poorly on self-mixed fuel
- Some owners report repeat brake and throttle button repairs
This is the most interesting value claim in our testing group. Multiple long-term owners say this 62cc saw out-cuts a new Stihl MS 271 on hardwood, and several describe using it on oak, walnut and cedar in place of far costlier machines.
At 14 pounds with a 20 inch bar and a 62cc full-crank engine rated 4.2HP, it is a serious felling combination on paper. The 8500 RPM chain speed and low-kickback chain are the details that back up the owner claims.
Starting is easy even in cold weather, which owners single out repeatedly. The kit is unusually complete for the price: a fuel mixer bottle, a tool set and a sharpener are all included, so you are not buying a round of extra equipment before the first cut.
There is one fuel note worth reading twice. Owners report it prefers premixed 50:1 fuel and starts poorly on self-mixed fuel. If you premix at the pump, this saw is easier to live with than almost anything else here.
Where its power-to-weight ratio pays off
For 12 to 18 inch hardwoods, this is the sweet spot. The engine keeps chain speed up in dense oak, which is where a 50cc class saw stalls and forces you to lean on the bar. Owners report cutting knotty trunks without bogging, and 14 pounds keeps it light through a long back cut.
It is also a reasonable pick for firewood on acreage, where the low weight and easy starting matter over a full weekend of cutting.
What the reviews flag
The 4.0 rating sits near the bottom here, and the complaints are specific. The new chain stretches and needs frequent tightening, some owners report repeat brake and throttle button repairs, and the instructions are unclear on both fuel mixing and assembly.
Plan to tighten the chain before each session and keep spare brake and throttle parts on hand. Those are manageable, but they are recurring rather than one-off.
9. PROYAMA 68cc With 20 and 24 Inch Bars: Best Dual-Bar Package
PROYAMA 68CC Gas Powered Chainsaw, 24 Inch 20 Inch Top Handle Chain Saw
68cc 2-cycle engine at 4.5HP
20 inch and 24 inch bars included
14.5 pounds
Magnesium alloy chain brake and case
Pros
- 4.5HP 68cc engine gives strong felling performance
- Magnesium alloy chain brake and case for durability
- Easy-start system starts with less pulling effort
- Anti-vibration system reduces hand fatigue
- Comes with both 20 inch and 24 inch bars
Cons
- 3.9 rating trails the professional-tier saws here
- One-star share of 18 percent signals real dissatisfaction
- Durability complaints appear in the one-star tail
The PROYAMA bundles a 68cc engine with both a 20 inch and a 24 inch bar, which is a rare combination at this level. At 14.5 pounds it is lighter than most 68cc saws, and the magnesium alloy case and chain brake are better materials than the typical budget shell.
The 68cc two-cycle at 4.5HP is genuinely strong for felling, and owners report easy starting with less pulling effort plus an anti-vibration system that holds up on extended cuts.
The practical argument for this saw is that you can move between a 20 inch bar for general work and a 24 inch bar for the biggest trunk on the property without buying a second powerhead. That is exactly the situation many homeowners face once a year.
The 3.9 rating across 680 reviews sits near the bottom of this group, and it is worth understanding why before you buy. The lower overall score reflects durability and reliability complaints concentrated in the one-star tail, which is larger here than for the premium saws.
Who it suits
A homeowner with one large tree to fell and a normal firewood workload, who wants long-bar reach without the 25 pound weight of a professional saw. The two-bar package removes the usual excuse for buying a smaller saw first and hoping it is enough.
For cutting firewood on acreage, the 20 inch bar is a comfortable width and the 68cc engine will not bog in hardwood.
Where the risk sits
An 18 percent one-star share is the signal here. Owners who bought it for one hard felling job and kept it are happy; the complaints cluster around durability over time. If you expect the saw to still be there in five years, buy a traditional-brand saw instead.
Also plan for the dual-bar storage problem. Two bars, two chains and a scrench is a lot of kit to keep organized, and a barsheet that bends from being crammed into a truck bed is a common self-inflicted failure.
10. WTHW 58cc Quick-Switch Bars: Best Switchable Bar Setup
WTHW 58 cc Gas Chainsaw, 20 in & 18 in Quick-Switch Bars, 2 Chains
58cc 2-stroke engine at 3.5HP
20 inch felling bar and 18 inch limbing bar
14.5 pounds
91 ft/s chain speed
2-year warranty
Pros
- Switches between the 20 inch felling bar and 18 inch limbing bar quickly
- Quick-Start recoil fires reliably in cold weather
- Fuel tank 30 percent larger than comparable models
- Inertial chain brake and low-kickback chain
- Two chains and a scrench included with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- Second-smallest review base here at 88 reviews
- 58cc output is modest for large-diameter hardwood
- 65 percent five-star share shows some inconsistency
The WTHW solves a common problem with a simple idea: one 58cc powerhead, a 20 inch felling bar and an 18 inch limbing bar, and two chains. Owners like that the bar change takes seconds rather than a trip to the truck for a second saw.
The 20 inch bar is the one you fell with, and the 18 inch bar is genuinely more useful for limbing because you can get around a trunk or into a canopy gap. Chain specs are stated clearly at 0.325 pitch and 0.058 gauge, with 76DL and 72DL chains included.
Chain speed is listed at 91 ft/s, and the fuel tank is 30 percent larger than comparable machines, which owners notice on all-day cutting jobs. A pro-grade centrifugal air filter, automatic oiler and dual-spring anti-vibration system round out the package.
The 4.2 rating comes from just 88 reviews, so treat it as a newer listing with a thin track record. Owners who have had it report easy starting and a well-designed quick-switch system, but the evidence is limited.
Best for mixed property work
If you spend the season limbing, trimming and only occasionally felling, this setup is more versatile than a single 20 inch bar saw. The 18 inch bar makes pruning work far less awkward, and having both bars on hand means you are never choosing the wrong one.
For trunks up to about 14 inches the 58cc engine is comfortable. Past that, you will be working hard enough that a 60cc or larger engine is a better tool.
What the thin review base hides
At 88 reviews, this is the second-smallest sample here, and a 65 percent five-star share indicates some inconsistency between units. Owners specifically call the 58cc output modest for large-diameter hardwood, which is the honest limitation.
If your largest tree is over 16 inches, look at a 62cc or 68cc class saw instead. The two-year warranty is a genuine plus at this level, so keep the receipt.
11. QWD 61.5cc 18 Inch: Best Compact Saw for Smaller Timber
QWD 61.5CC 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw, 2.75HP 2-Stroke, Farm & Firewood
61.5cc 2-stroke at 2.75HP
18 inch bar with .050 gauge chain
12.3 pounds
21 m/s maximum chain speed
Pros
- Builders and former sawmill operators call it solidly constructed
- One owner cut a 24 inch Douglas fir log in about a minute
- Starts easier than a long-owned Stihl
- Complete kit with bar chain mixing bottle file and manual
Cons
- Stock chain dulls quickly and needs replacing
- 18 inch bar is short for larger felling work
- One owner reported the saw failing and a refused warranty claim
The QWD earns its place through construction quality rather than specifications. Builders and a former sawmill chainsaw operator describe it as solidly built rather than a plastic throwaway, and one owner cut a 24 inch Douglas fir log in about a minute on it.
The engine is a 61.5cc air-cooled two-stroke making 2.0 kW, or 2.75HP, at 8500 rpm, with maximum chain speed of 21 m/s. At 12.3 pounds with an 18 inch bar, it is light and quick, and owners report it starting easier than a Stihl they have owned for years.
The kit is complete: 18 inch bar, 72DL chain with 36 cutters, a 40:1 mixing bottle, a file, a tool kit and a manual. A primer bulb with defined choke positions gives repeatable cold and warm starts, which is more than many saws at twice the price offer.
The 18 inch bar is the constraint. It handles trunks up to about 12 to 14 inches well, which covers most firewood and small property work, but it is short for serious felling.
Where it works well
Storm cleanup of small to medium trees, firewood cutting, and land clearing where the timber is mostly under 14 inches. The 12.3 pound weight means you can hold it one-handed comfortably, which is a real advantage on a recovery job.
Experienced operators rate it as a credible weekender saw, and if you later need more reach the same line offers a 22 inch bar version that several owners recommend for serious felling.
What to weigh against
The stock chain dulls quickly and owners report replacing it after roughly ten big cuts. Budget for a file or a replacement chain from day one, because a dull chain is the fastest way to make a small engine feel underpowered.
One owner reported the saw stopped working and both the seller and the manufacturer refused an extended warranty claim. With only 47 reviews, there is very little consensus to fall back on, so buy from a seller who handles returns easily.
12. VEVOR 62cc 20 Inch: Best for Light Debris Work
VEVOR 20inch 62CC Gas Powered Chainsaw, 3.8 HP 2 Stroke Engine Gas Power Chainsaws with Non-Slip Handle, Gas Chainsaws with Dual Fuel Tanks, For Wood Cutting, Tree Trimming, and Land Clearing
62cc 2-stroke at 3.8HP
20 inch bar for up to 18 inch diameter
16.1 pounds
550 ml fuel tank
Pros
- Strong cutting speed on thick trunks for a budget saw
- Large 550 ml fuel tank extends runtime
- Composite body resists cracking and oil leakage in heat and cold
- Emergency stop lever and chip guard add safety
Cons
- Lowest rating in this roundup at 3.6 with a 26 percent one-star share
- Stock chain dulls very quickly
- Bar mount nut vibrates loose and hardware loosens
We include the VEVOR because it sells heavily and because the reviews tell you exactly what it is. At 3.6 stars across 710 reviews it is the lowest-rated saw in our group, with a 26 percent one-star share, and owners treat it as a short-term budget tool rather than a felling saw.
What it does well is cut fast for the money. Owners report strong cutting speed on thick trunks, and the 20 inch bar is rated for an 18 inch cutting diameter. The 550 ml fuel tank is larger than most at this price, which means fewer refills on a long cleanup day.
The composite PA6 body resists cracking and oil leakage in heat and cold, and there is an emergency stop lever plus a chip guard. Fuel mix is 40:1, which is a reminder that budget saws often use a richer ratio than the 50:1 typical of the major brands.
The negatives are hardware failures rather than cutting problems. Owners report the bar mount nut vibrating loose, the handle collapsing when the saw was pinched in a log, and bar oil leakage from more than one owner.
Reasonable uses
Light storm debris, brush and small limbs, and short bursts of firewood cutting on a tight budget. Professional operators strongly advise against it for daily work, and even positive reviews concede it will not last like a Husqvarna or Stihl.
If it is a one-time cleanup of a fallen tree and you will store it afterwards, it does the job. Treat it as a tool with a short working life rather than an investment.
Why we would not fell a tree with it
The stock chain dulls very quickly and needs replacing after short use, which means the saw spends its early life working dull. Hardware loosening during a felling cut is the failure mode that worries us most, because a loosening bar mount nut mid-cut is exactly the situation you do not want.
A collapsed handle when the chain pinches is also a serious complaint. If you want a budget saw, our best professional chainsaws under 200 dollars guide compares the alternatives at this price level.
How Big a Chainsaw Do You Need to Fell a Tree?
The rule experienced fellers use is simple: your bar should be about half the diameter of the largest trunk you plan to fell. That leaves room to start the back cut on one side, pivot the saw, and finish without running out of bar mid-cut.
Measure the trunk at stump height, not at the base of the branches. Under 12 inch diameter, a 14 to 16 inch bar on a 40 to 50cc engine is enough. Between 12 and 20 inches, move to an 18 to 20 inch bar on 50 to 60cc.
Between 20 and 30 inches, you want a 20 to 24 inch bar on a 60 to 72cc engine. Past 30 inches, that is professional arborist territory, and no consumer saw in this roundup is the right answer.
There is a second rule that gets missed: never felling a small tree with a big saw. An oversized saw is genuinely harder to control, and the extra torque makes kickback more likely. The 11.3 pound 450 Rancher is a better tool for a 12 inch maple than a 25 pound 71cc saw.
If you also cut a lot of firewood, our 20 inch bar gas chainsaw guide covers that overlap in more detail.
Rear-Handle vs Top-Handle Saws for Felling
Felling requires two hands on the saw and full control through the back cut. That means a rear-handle saw, where the wrap-around handle sits behind the engine and your forward hand grips the front handle.
A top-handle saw puts both hands on one side of the saw. That design is built for one-handed use while working aloft, which is why arborists use them for limbing and climbing. For felling, the control loss is not worth it.
One of the products in our list uses a top-handle format in its listing, and it does produce fine cutting performance on the ground. But if you are felling, the rear-handle architecture on the Husqvarna Ranchers, the ECHO CS-590 and the NEO-TEC saws is the correct one.
Weight matters in the same way. Every saw here uses the rear-handle layout, and the difference between an 11.3 pound saw and a 25 pound saw is the difference between controlling the cut and hoping for the best.
Safety Gear You Need Before Felling a Tree
Chainsaw chaps are the first purchase after the saw. They are the only thing standing between a chain and your legs during a kickback, and forum advice across every chainsaw community is to spend your leftover money on gear rather than a bigger saw.
You also need a helmet with a face shield and hearing protection attached. Eye protection alone is not enough, because chips and sawdust come off the bar at speed in every direction during a felling cut.
Felling wedges are the third item. Two plastic or wooden wedges let you control where the tree falls once the back cut is started, which is the difference between a planned drop and a guess.
Beyond that: cut-resistant gloves, spare chain, a scrench for bar changes, and a chain file for sharpening. Keep a full fuel and oil kit separate so you are not mixing fuel in the dark at the base of a tree.
On the saw itself, the feature that matters most is the chain brake. An inertia chain brake detects the rapid deceleration of a kickback and stops the chain within fractions of a second, and every saw in this roundup carries either that system or a quick-stop equivalent.
How to Fell a Tree Safely With a Gas Chainsaw
Start by clearing the fall zone and checking the lean. Look for dead limbs overhead, wind direction, obstacles and people in the direction the tree could go. Pick an escape path at roughly 45 degrees behind the tree before you touch the saw.
Cut the face notch on the side of the lean, with the opening about a quarter of the trunk diameter. This is where your saw’s power shows: a dull chain or a low-powered engine turns a clean notch into a long struggle, and a weak notch is what causes backward falls.
Then make the back cut from the opposite side, roughly two inches above the notch, leaving a hinge of wood to guide the fall. Leave the saw in the cut, drive your wedges, and walk away on your escape path. Never stand behind a wedge, and never step into the falling path.
Drive the wedges as the tree starts to move, and keep the back of the saw pointed away from your body. The tree should fall into the notch you cut. If it starts to go the wrong way, get clear rather than trying to save the cut.
If a tree is over 30 inches, near a house or power line, or leaning unpredictably, this is the point to stop and hire a licensed arborist. Our professional logger chainsaw guide covers the saw side, but no saw replaces an insured tree professional on a dangerous tree.
Gas vs Battery Chainsaw for Large-Tree Work
For felling, gas wins on endurance. A full tank runs through a long felling day without a pause, and there is no runtime ceiling and no charger to buy or store. On a 24 inch tree, a battery saw’s runtime becomes the deciding factor.
Battery saws win on everything else. No fuel mix to measure, no choke to flood, no pull cord fatigue, and far lower vibration on the handle. Our battery chainsaw roundup covers that side if your timber is smaller than 16 inches.
The hybrid answer that most experienced operators use is simple. Battery saw for limbing, brush and firewood in the yard. Gas saw for the tree coming down and the big rounds afterward.
For storm damage cleanup of large trees, gas is the right default. You will run out of tree before you run out of fuel.
Buying Guide: Choosing a Gas Chainsaw for Felling
Engine displacement in cc is the first filter. Below 50cc is for pruning and small firewood. The 50 to 60cc range covers felling trees up to about 18 inches. Above 60cc is for large timber and regular cutting. Displacement tells you more than the horsepower figure printed on the box.
The power band matters more than peak horsepower. A wide power band means the engine keeps chain speed up across the rev range, so the saw does not bog when the trunk closes in on the bar. That is the difference between a clean back cut and a stalled one.
Bar length is your second filter, and it should be about half your largest trunk diameter. Do not buy a bar longer than you need for felling, because an over-long bar reduces control and increases kickback risk.
Then check the supporting hardware: an inertia or quick-stop chain brake for kickback safety, an air filter you can reach without tools, a chain tensioner you can operate on the side of the saw, and an automatic chain oiler that actually delivers.
Anti-vibration systems matter more than most buyers expect. Felling a 20 inch trunk takes several minutes of continuous running, and vibration in the rear handle is what makes your hands give out.
Fuel mix is worth getting right. Most major-brand two-strokes run 50:1, several budget saws specify 40:1, and one saw in this list uses 25:1. Getting the ratio wrong is the most common cause of hard starting and a saw that bogs under load.
Dealer support is the last factor and the one forum advice hammers hardest. Go with the brand whose dealer near you actually carries parts and services the model. A saw with no local parts is a saw that sits in the shed after the first carburetor problem.
Best Gas Chainsaws for Felling Trees: FAQ
What is the best chainsaw for tree felling?
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher with a 24 inch bar is our best gas chainsaw for felling trees overall. Its 60.3cc X-TORQUE engine holds chain speed through hardwood, it weighs 13.2 pounds so you can hold it through a long back cut, and owners rate it 4.5 stars across more than 550 reviews.
Which brand of gas chainsaw is considered the most reliable?
Husqvarna, STIHL and ECHO are the three most consistently reliable gas chainsaw brands because their dealers stock parts locally and their engines are simple enough to service. Reliability in practice comes down to air filter access, fuel mix ratio and chain tensioning more than brand alone. Buy the brand whose dealer near you will actually service it.
Do professionals prefer Husqvarna or STIHL?
Both are heavily used by professionals and the choice usually comes down to the local dealer rather than the saw itself. Husqvarna Rancher models are often described as more powerful and smooth in owner reports, while STIHL is widely praised for build quality and parts availability. Owners frequently say to buy whichever brand your nearest dealer supports best.
Is ECHO just as good as STIHL?
The ECHO CS-590 in this roundup is a capable felling saw with a 59.8cc engine and a 20 inch bar, and owners report very strong cutting force on storm-fallen and oak logs. The main differences are starting effort and service support. The CS-590 is harder to crank and floods easily if the choke is pulled too many times, which is where STIHL saws generally have the advantage.
What is the best chainsaw for cutting down large trees?
For trees up to 20 inches, a 60cc engine with a 20 inch bar such as the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is the right answer. For 20 to 28 inch trees, step up to a 68cc or 71cc engine with a 22 or 24 inch bar. Past 30 inches, hire a licensed arborist rather than buying a bigger consumer saw.
What chainsaw do loggers prefer?
Logging crews favour high-displacement full-crank saws in the 70cc class and above, because the wide power band keeps chain speed up through thick hardwood where smaller engines stall. In our roundup the 71cc full-crank NEO-TEC NH872 is the closest match, at 5.3HP on a 24 inch professional bar.
The Best Gas Chainsaw for Felling Trees in 2026
The best gas chainsaws for felling trees in 2026 come down to one honest trade. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24 inch is the pick: 60.3cc, a 24 inch bar, 13.2 pounds and a 4.5 star rating across 552 owner reviews. It handles nearly every felling job a homeowner will meet, and it will still be there next season.
If weight is your problem, the 450 Rancher at 11.3 pounds is the light option that will still take a proper cut. If you are cutting thick hardwood regularly, the 68cc NEO-TEC with 22 and 24 inch bars covers the big trunks, and the 71cc NEO-TEC NH872 is the pro-duty answer with Husqvarna 372XP parts compatibility.
Size the bar to about half your largest trunk diameter, buy chaps and wedges on the same day, and pick the brand your local dealer services. Get the saw details and current specs through the buttons above, and stay clear of the tree until your escape path is planned.